Bihac: The Jewel of the Una River

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jeh-nyah]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gleh-skee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti meni, molim vas
  [Moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee meh-nee, moh-leem vahs]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dehm meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelio bih platiti, molim vas
  [Zheh-lee-oh bee pla-tee-tee, moh-leem vahs]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh kohs-tah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-she skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh...]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (za ....)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (zah ....)]

Bihac's history dates back to the Neolithic period, with archaeological findings indicating that the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. The region's fertile lands and strategic location along the Una River made it an ideal settlement for early human communities.

During the medieval period, Bihac emerged as a significant urban center. It became part of the Croatian Kingdom in the 13th century and was later incorporated into the Hungarian Crown. The town's prominence grew due to its strategic position on the trade routes between the Adriatic Sea and Central Europe.

In 1592, Bihac fell under Ottoman rule, marking a significant shift in its history. The Ottomans fortified the town and turned it into a key military stronghold. This period saw the construction of many Islamic architectural landmarks, including mosques and baths, which still stand today.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878, bringing another wave of change to Bihac. The town underwent modernization with the introduction of new infrastructure, such as railways and public buildings, blending Austro-Hungarian architectural styles with the existing Ottoman influences.

Bihac played a crucial role during World War II as a stronghold for the Yugoslav Partisans. The town was the site of the First Session of the Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ) in 1942, which laid the foundation for post-war Yugoslavia. The Battle of Bihac was a significant conflict during the war, highlighting the town's strategic importance.

Under socialist Yugoslavia, Bihac developed as an industrial and cultural hub. The town saw significant investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, contributing to its growth and modernization. Bihac also became known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting various festivals and events.

During the Bosnian War (1992-1995), Bihac was besieged for over three years. Despite the hardships, the town's residents showed remarkable resilience. The Siege of Bihac was one of the longest and most difficult sieges of the war, leaving a lasting impact on the town and its people.

Following the end of the Bosnian War, Bihac has been in a continuous process of recovery and redevelopment. The town has focused on rebuilding and modernizing its infrastructure, preserving its rich cultural heritage, and promoting tourism. Today, Bihac is a testament to resilience and a vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Bihac is located in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The nearest major airport is Sarajevo International Airport, approximately 300 kilometers away. Alternatively, you can fly into Zagreb International Airport in Croatia, which is about 150 kilometers from Bihac. From these airports, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach Bihac. Direct buses also operate from major cities like Sarajevo and Zagreb, offering a convenient and scenic journey through the countryside.

Bihac is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the city and connect to nearby towns. Renting a car is also a viable option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. Bicycles are popular in Bihac, and there are several rental shops offering bikes for a day or longer.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Bihac. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas. ATMs are widely available in the city, and you can withdraw cash using international bank cards.

Bihac is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Bihac. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, remove your shoes and cover your head if you are a woman. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bihac like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Bosnian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Una National Park, which offers breathtaking views and various outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and fishing. For a unique experience, attend a local festival or cultural event to immerse yourself in the local traditions and customs.